Alicia Waller - Louder, Then (2026) Hi Res

Regarding her return to Jazz and Soul traditions, Waller says: I’d been looking at music from across the African diaspora as part of my study of ‘vernacular music.’ After a period examining the incredible diversity of Black sound globally, I became curious about what it would mean to contribute my own cultural experience to the practice. This eventually led to writing in my mother tongue, which resulted in the creation of this project and its predecessor. Through both, my aim has been to explore African-American vernacular musics alongside other forms, influences, and themes that have informed my journey along the way.

The album was co-Produced by bassist/arranger Marcos Varela (Mingus Big Band, Billy Hart and Tyshawn Sory). Following her 2020 EP, Some Hidden Treasure, the Waller and Varela’s partnership deepened, working towards “world building” in songs.